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HumaneVMA Speakers Bureau 

This webpage is currently under construction - thank you for your patience as we update our topics!

 

HumaneVMA brings educational presentations on animal welfare topics to veterinary and veterinary technician schools by request. We cover our speakers' travel costs and can also reimburse for the cost of food. In return, we ask that students interested in bringing one of our talks to their campus secure a lecture hall or other meeting room and advertise the talk to the student body. Learn how you can request a presentation at your school»

 

Presentation Topics

Access to Care

Advocacy

Behavior

Canine

Cruelty/Forensics

Disaster Response

Equine

 

Ethics

Euthanasia/Hospice

Farm Animal

Feline

Rural Area Veterinary Services (RAVS)

Shelter Medicine

Small Animal Medicine

Well-Being/Mental Health

Wildlife

 

Pain and Suffering the ER: A New Paradigm

Based on 20 years experience as an emergency clinician, Dr. Jon Geller will include practical tips and procedures for the emergency clinician, as well as students and interns considering working in emergency medicine. A special focus will be made on maintaining patient comfort and welfare concerns in the chaotic environment of the veterinary emergency room.

Living with Claws: Confidently Provide Guidance to Feline Owners

This discussion equips the veterinary team with information and tools to educate pet parents on alternatives to declawing. By ending the elective onychectomy procedure we are protecting the welfare of our feline patients, but we also must know how to help pet parents live in harmony with cats and their claws. With a plethora of information out there, this discussion will streamline what you need to know today to set your pet parents up for success tomorrow.  This topic is presented by Dr. Ashlie Saffire, DABVP (Feline), the founder and lead feline veterinarian at the Cat Specialty Center at Faithful Friends in Dublin, OH.

Veterinary Professionals as Animal Advocates: The Power of the Veterinary Voice

Veterinary professionals play a key role in advancing animal advocacy, given the leadership position the profession holds on issues pertaining to animal health and welfare. Our veterinary professional panelists—with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences--will offer ideas on how their colleagues can maximize their impact to improve animal welfare in veterinary clinics, in shelters, in their local communities, and at the local, state, and national levels. We will discuss in-person and virtual communications, written resource materials, many types of media outreach, including social media and podcasts—and how animal advocates can collaboratively partner with veterinary professionals to champion the well-being of all animals. 

Behavior is Medicine: Integrating Behavioral Guidance in Wellness Appointments

Canine and feline behavioral concerns, particularly related to fear, anxiety, and stress, are significant factors in pet relinquishment. As veterinary professionals, it is crucial to proactively address behavior issues during wellness appointments to prevent potential problems and better support our clients and their pets. In this enlightening session, we will explore effective strategies for initiating conversations about behavior, responding to client concerns, and providing practical guidance to manage and prevent behavioral issues. By embracing behavior as an essential aspect of pet health, we can enhance our role as advocates for our patients and strengthen the human-animal bond.  This lecture is presented by Tabitha Kucera, RVT, VTS (Behavior), KPA-CTP, CCBC, owner of Chirrups and Chatter: Cat and Dog Behavior Consulting and Training and animal behavior technician at The Gentle Vet in Ohio.

Behavioral First Aid: Triage for Common Behavioral Issues in the Clinic

Veterinary clinics are frequently the first place caregivers turn to for behavioral concerns, yet many behavior issues are not immediately apparent. In this session, veterinary teams will learn how to conduct swift and effective behavioral assessments, prioritize issues, and implement targeted interventions during routine visits. By addressing behavioral concerns early, veterinary professionals can help prevent escalation, improve patient well-being, and guide caregivers toward the appropriate resources. This lecture will cover the most common behavioral issues encountered in veterinary practices and provide actionable strategies for managing them efficiently and effectively. This topic is presented by Tabitha Kucera, RVT, VTS (Behavior), KPA-CTP, CCBC, owner of Chirrups and Chatter: Cat and Dog Behavior Consulting and Training and animal behavior technician at The Gentle Vet in Ohio.

Difficult Conversations: End of Life Decisions

One of the most difficult conversations to have with clients involves end of life decision making. These conversations must balance the patient’s needs with the emotional and financial needs of the client and can take a large emotional toll on the veterinary team. We will discuss management of cases where clients refuse euthanasia in a critically ill patient and others where clients request euthanasia for a patient that could be treated. How do we, as veterinarians, handle these conversations, advocate for our patients, serve the human-animal bond, and preserve our own wellbeing?  This topic is presented by Dr. Kate Boatright.

There's More Than One Way to Treat a Cat: A Practical Approach to the Spectrum of Care

This is an interactive, case-based presentation on one of the biggest challenges veterinarians face in practice. In school, students learn the gold standard of diagnosis and treatment. The clients and patients we see on clinical rotations at our teaching hospitals tend to be those who have the means to pursue advanced diagnostics and treatments. After graduation, away from the ivory tower, veterinarians are often faced with balancing tighter financial limitations of clients with the best interest of the pet. There are often flexible ways to get the information we want and need for a patient while still working within a client’s means.  This topic is presented by Dr. Kate Boatright.  

Redefining the Gold Standard: A New Framework for More Accessible Care

Contextualized Care, or context-based medicine, is an approach that can and should be integrated into any veterinary care plan, whether incremental, spectrum-based, or comprehensive. It begins with understanding each client’s and patient’s unique circumstances, including goals, resources, barriers, and environment, to create plans that truly fit their needs. In this session, we will explore how contextualized care improves outcomes and expands access to veterinary services. Using case examples from Rural Area Veterinary Services (RAVS) clinics, we will examine how to identify barriers, address their root causes, and develop strategies for underserved populations. We will also cover how to create a two-way dialog with clients in order to discuss care options that are based on client priorities and goals, available resources, unique client and patient circumstances, and legal or ethical considerations.  This lecture is presented by RAVS staff veterinary professionals.  

Being the Advocate: Speaking up for Patients, People and Progress

Advocacy in veterinary medicine goes beyond clinical care—it includes speaking up for the emotional and behavioral needs of our patients, as well as supporting the well-being of our colleagues and ourselves. This session equips veterinary professionals with the communication skills and confidence needed to recognize when and how to take action in moments that matter. Attendees will learn how to approach difficult conversations with clients, coworkers, and leadership using respectful, clear, and compassionate language that fosters collaboration—not conflict. Through real-world examples and practical strategies, this lecture empowers professionals to become effective advocates while protecting their own emotional energy and contributing to a healthier, more supportive workplace culture. This lecture is presented by Tabitha Kucera, RVT, VTS (Behavior), KPA-CTP, CCBC, owner of Chirrups and Chatter: Cat and Dog Behavior Consulting and Training and animal behavior technician at The Gentle Vet in Ohio.

Disaster Preparedness and Response in Shelter Medicine

This presentation outlines the critical role of shelter veterinarians in disaster preparedness and response. It covers safety, disease prevention, triage, and medical care during crises, as well as planning for hazards, evacuation, foster networks, and continuity of operations. Participants will also learn about the emergency management cycle and available training resources to strengthen shelter readiness and community support during disasters.  This lecture is presented by Dr. Becca Boronat, National Shelter Medicine Veterinarian at Best Friends Animal Society.

One Health, One Welfare: How Improving Health & Welfare Standards in Domestic Animals Helps People and Can Be Good for Conservation

In this presentation, Dr. Eric Eisenman, Founder and CEO of International Veterinary Outreach (IVO), highlights the complexity of addressing animal welfare disparities, emphasizing the interconnectedness of animal, human, and environmental health, advocating for a One Health approach. Case studies from Kenya and Nepal demonstrate IVO's impact. In Kenya, IVO partners with multiple conservation organizations to support the needs of pastoralist communities as a way to preserve culture and prevent industrial development. In Nepal, IVO partners with a snow leopard conservation organization to build veterinary capacity and educate community members on methods that improve domestic animal health and mitigate conflict with snow leopards. 

Access to Care: A Collaborative Approach to Advance Animal Welfare, One Health, and the Veterinary Profession in an International Setting

In this presentation, Dr. Eric Eisenman, Founder and CEO of International Veterinary Outreach (IVO), will explore global animal welfare improvements, focusing on the work of IVO which was founded in 2011. IVO aims to reduce animal suffering through sustainable veterinary services and training in economically-disadvantaged areas. Case studies from the Philippines and Tanzania demonstrate IVO's impact. In the Philippines, IVO addresses the lack of veterinary care for working equids, collaborating with local stakeholders to offer services and training. In Tanzania, the organization works to prevent the spread of rabies and other diseases through humane population control and preventive medicine, while building local capacity via training initiatives.  

Disabilities in Dogs: Supporting Clients and Their Pets

This is a thought provoking overview of disabilities we see in pets with a discussion of how veterinarians can support their clients, especially those that choose to care for profoundly disabled animals. Dr. Melissa Shapiro will discuss The Disabled Pets Project and her work as director of Piglet International, Inc.  And of course, her deaf and blind dogs, Piglet and Georgie, are perfect examples of why veterinarians should embrace their disabled patients.

Responding to Suspected Cruelty: Video Scenarios on Recognition, Communication and Reporting

Veterinarians may struggle with how to handle cases of suspected cruelty with the client as each case has special considerations. In this session, Dr. Melinda Merck will present video scenarios of a client discussion and management of suspected cruelty case within in the hospital setting. Seven different scenarios will be presented: domestic violence, elder abuse, neglect, euthanasia, hoarding, dog fighting and non-accidental injury. Handling of each type of situation and suspicious indicators of abuse will be presented. Each scenario will include a follow-up detailed discussion of key points. 

Veterinary Forensics

The recognition of the Link is critical for investigators, social services, prosecutors and the veterinary community. The application of veterinary forensics can play an important role in both animal and human related crimes. This presentation will include indicators of abuse, the use of veterinary forensics for the investigator and veterinarians, and the critical role of the veterinarian, working together with investigators, to achieve positive case outcomes.

Why Access to Care Resources is a Social Justice Issue

Pet ownership crosses all geographic, racial and socioeconomic boundaries, but access to information and services does not. Institutional bias and systemic inequality have impacted pets in ways you may not realize and there is a great need in our field to understand and deepen the connection between social, racial, and economic justice and animal welfare. Discover what this could mean in your community and how it should inform your organization’s programming.  The Pets for Life team presents this topic and will discuss how they advocate for people who are routinely overlooked and act as an ally in fighting against economic and racial injustice.

Risk Versus Reunion: Emergency Response and Distemper After Hurricane Harvey

Medical care plays a vital role in any emergency response. Dr. Erin Katribe, Medical Director of Best Friends Animal Society, will discuss the part that medical care plays in disaster response and the role of the veterinarian, using one organization's response to Hurricane Harvey and the distemper outbreak that occurred as an example. Despite the many challenges, disasters like Harvey present an opportunity for pushing the boundaries of lifesaving.

Understanding Animal Hospice Within Welfare Work

Animal hospice is a growing field and rightly so.  Animals deserve the best of care, emotionally and physically, as they reach the end of life.  Their welfare is at the heart of our support.  This presentation will reveal how animal hospice can be applied in medical directives and the approach we take with clients and team members.  This topic is presented by a member of the Companion Animal Euthanasia Training Academy (CAETA), the educational division of Lap of Love.

 Emotionally Intelligent Euthanasia: Protecting You While You Care for Others

Emotional Intelligence (EI) is the capacity to be aware of, control and express one's emotions, and to handle interpersonal relationships judiciously and empathetically.  A member of the Companion Animal Euthanasia Training Academy (CAETA) will host this fun and engaging presentation to help students prepare for euthanasia work in private practice or shelters.  Focus will be placed on building awareness of our skills and individuality, while strengthening ourselves for emotional work.  Time will be given to exploration into ideal euthanasia methodology

The Ethics of Brachycephalic Dogs  (Available virtually only)

This lecture will discuss why genetic selection for brachycephaly or short-nosed dogs, is a significant welfare issue. Symptoms, risk factors, emerging diagnostic tests, and measures the profession can take to improve the problem will be discussed.  This topic is presented by Dr. Barry Kipperman, a HumaneVMA CA State Co-Representative, who is board certified in both small animal internal medicine and animal welfare.

The Responsibility of Veterinarians to Address Companion Animal Obesity  (Available virtually only)

Obesity is a modern day epidemic in people and companion animals. This lecture will discuss the detrimental effects of obesity on animal welfare, scientific data on DVM compliance with diagnosing and discussing obesity with clients, and will examine ethical concerns. Discrete recommendations are suggested to guide veterinary professionals to better address pet obesity as a One Health problem.  This topic is presented by Dr. Barry Kipperman, a HumaneVMA CA State Co-Representative, who is board certified in both small animal internal medicine and animal welfare.

Caring for Families, Not Just Pets: Rethinking Access to Veterinary Medicine

Veterinary medicine is not only about treating pets; it is about supporting the health and wellbeing of families. Yet millions of families face barriers that prevent their pets from receiving needed care. These challenges are not simply financial; they reflect broader gaps in how our care systems are structured. The result is suffering for pets, distress for families, and moral stress for veterinary professionals who want to help.

In this session, Dr. Michael Blackwell, Director of the Program for Pet Health Equity, reframes access to veterinary care as a family and community health issue. Drawing on findings from national studies and new models that align veterinary services with social and public health supports, we will explore how the profession can expand access, promote health equity, and strengthen the human–pet bond. Students and practitioners will gain a fresh perspective on their role in building a more compassionate and sustainable future for veterinary medicine.

This was a terrific, thought-provoking lecture which reminded me of the reasons I went into this profession.

- Sarah Kezar, Auburn University Class of 2018

The Veterinarian's Role in Recognizing and Reporting Animal Cruelty

As an animal advocate and veterinary professional, one of the most important tasks you may undertake is recognizing and reporting animal cruelty. This presentation will provide guidance on recognizing animal cruelty, including abuse and neglect, and understanding the veterinary professional's responsibilities in reporting these cases to the appropriate authorities.

This was excellent and I felt that information was presented that we would not get in our education here at school. I thought Dr. Graves was very real and did not sugar coat the information  - which was greatly appreciated.

- Marissa Owen, Michigan State University Class of 2020

New Developments in the Case Against Cosmetic and Convenience Surgeries in Companion Animals

Convenience surgeries, such as cat declawing, ear cropping and tail docking, have no medical benefit, but are still performed by many veterinarians.

This presentation reviews these procedures and explains some of their negative side effects. It also includes information about alternatives and how to effectively explain them to clients.

The Impacts of Costs of Care on Animal and Veterinarian Well-Being  (Available virtually only)

This lecture will discuss the frequency with which veterinarians, pet owners, and animal companions are affected by economic limitations, the most common resources used to mitigate this problem and their impact on animal care, to what extent veterinarians are informing and educating pet owners regarding costs of care and payment options before patient illness occurs, obstacles to veterinarian compliance in educating clients on this topic, the influence of costs of care on professional recommendations, career satisfaction and professional burnout, and discuss proposed areas for improvement.  This topic is presented by Dr. Barry Kipperman, a HumaneVMA CA State Co-Representative, who is board certified in both small animal internal medicine and animal welfare.

Exotic Companion Mammals: The New Shelter Animal

What you need to know about the numbers of exotic companion animals that are flooding shelters, including basic husbandry and medical care. An overview of best spay/neuter methods for rabbits, guinea pigs, and sugar gliders will also be provided.  This lecture is presented by Dr. Antonia Gardner, Veterinarian at Carolina Raptor Center, and Dr. Renata Schneider, Veterinarian at Pelican Harbor Seabird Station.

Great speaker, fun presentation - a unique topic that needs to be heard about more! I would love to do an externship focused on the needs of exotic companion animals with Dr. Schneider!              

- Sara Lindo, Michigan State Class of 2021

Farm Animal Welfare: The Science and Ethics (Available virtually only)

More than three-fourths of veterinarians in the United States practice small animal medicine while there are sixty times more farmed animals killed for food in this country than dogs and cats.

This presentation summarizes the current conditions in which farm animals are raised and slaughtered in the United States, provides an ethical argument as to why small animal veterinarians should be concerned about farm animals, and provides a variety of ways small animal veterinarians can use their expertise to make a difference in improving the welfare of these animals.

Medical Aspects of Community Cat and Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Release (TNVR) Programs

Dramatic increases in feline lifesaving in shelters have been accomplished through the implementation of community cat programs. Community cat programming consists of a combination of proactive, targeted trap-neuter-vaccinate-release (TNVR) and shelter-neuter-return (SNR) programming as a live outcome pathway for cats that enter the shelter system. In this lecture, learn techniques to safely handle community cats in the high-quality, high-volume, spay/neuter clinic or private practice setting, preventive care protocols for TNVR/SNR cats, how to design a multi-modal anesthetic protocol appropriate for TNVR/SNR cats, surgical techniques for efficient sterilization, techniques for prevention and management of surgical complications, and management of common conditions found in free-roaming cats that enter the shelter or present for sterilization surgery (ectoparasites, traumatic injuries, upper respiratory tract disease).  This topic is presented by Dr. Erin Katribe, Medical Director of Best Friends Animal Society.

Street Medicine: Caring for Pets of the Indigent

The bond between people experiencing homelessness and their pets is very strong due to the social isolation and dysfunction that exists on the streets. Providing care to pets of people experiencing homeless and near-homelessness is one of the biggest challenges facing veterinary medicine. In this talk, Dr. Geller discusses the work of The Street Dog Coalition and other non-profits involved in this work, and also presents opportunities for student involvement.

Awesome to hear a vet talk about this because I've always wanted to start something like this. Thank you, this presentation has inspired me!!!                  

- Shirley Chan, Western University Class of 2020

Puppy Mills and Irresponsible Dog Breeding

The expansive puppy mill industry raises many animal health and welfare concerns. Although the conditions vary widely in quality, puppy mills are typically operated with an emphasis on profits over animal welfare and the dogs often live in substandard conditions, housed for their entire reproductive lives in cages or runs, provided little to no positive human interaction or other forms of environmental enrichment, and minimal to no veterinary care.

Presented by Dr. Lorna Grande, HumaneVMA Program Director of Education and Outreach, this lecture defines what makes a breeding facility a puppy mill, reviews the number of puppies that come from puppy mills and how they are sold, showcases the common health problems seen in dogs bred in these environments and the impact on the puppies, puppy buyers, animal shelters, and other organizations.  

Wildlife Care Basics

An overview of Wildlife Medicine, this talk reviews the basics of wildlife triage, common medical issues, zoonotic disease and legal issues.  Veterinarians are essential to the initial assessment and stabilization of wildlife until they can be transferred to a rehabber or a rehabilitation facility.  The critical role of all veterinarians in wildlife medicine is discussed, including when euthanasia is the best way to help and what to consider when the animals make it to release.  This lecture is presented by Dr. Antonia Gardner, Veterinarian at Carolina Raptor Center, and Dr. Renata Schneider, Veterinarian at Pelican Harbor Seabird Station.

 

 

Request a Presentation at Your School

To request an HumaneVMA presentation, please send an email to [email protected] with the following information:

  1. Your name
  2. Name of the veterinary school you attend
  3. Presentation topic(s) you are interested in
  4. Proposed date(s) and time (i.e., lunch or evening talk)

Priority scheduling will be granted to schools with HumaneVMA Student Chapters or Student Representatives.